In a paddock often dominated by drivers and engineers, Beth Paretta stands out not because she turns the wheel, but because she turns the tide. She is the rare executive who has successfully navigated the boardrooms of Detroit and the garages of Indianapolis, proving that the business of racing is just as competitive as the racing itself.
As the first woman to direct a performance brand and motorsport division for a major automotive manufacturer, Paretta didn’t just break the glass ceiling; she dismantled it, piece by piece, to build a ladder for the next generation. From the roaring V10s of the Dodge Viper program to the silent, electric precision of Formula E, her career is a masterclass in leadership.
From the Showroom to the Boardroom
Paretta’s journey began far from the glamour of the grid. She cut her teeth in the automotive trenches, working in dealerships and finance for Volkswagen Credit before moving to Aston Martin as operations manager for the Americas.
But her defining corporate moment came in 2011, when she joined Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). There, she became the Director of Marketing and Operations for the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand, making her the first female executive to lead a performance division for a global automaker.
Under her watch, the SRT Viper team won the IMSA GTLM championship, and Brad Keselowski secured the NASCAR Cup Series title for Dodge. She proved early on that she knew how to deliver hardware.
The Historic Indy 500 Run
While her corporate résumé was impressive, Paretta wanted to make a more direct impact. In 2021, she launched Paretta Autosport with a mission that was unapologetically bold: “Woman-owned, woman-driven, woman-forward.”
That May, she entered the Indianapolis 500 with driver Simona de Silvestro and a technical alliance with Team Penske. But this wasn’t just another entry. The team was comprised of over 70% women, including engineers, mechanics, and spotters—many of whom were seeing an IndyCar up close for the first time.
Qualifying for the race was a victory in itself. When De Silvestro locked the No. 16 car into the field of 33, Paretta Autosport became the first team in history comprised primarily of women to compete in the Indy 500. While the race ended early due to brake issues, the statement had been made: women belong on the pit wall, not just in the grandstands.
“I did it for my five-year-old self that didn’t yet know she could.”
Organizing the Revolution
Paretta knew that one team wasn’t enough to change an entire industry. Recognizing the need for systemic support, she co-founded Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) alongside racing legend Lyn St. James.
WIMNA has since become the premier organization for connecting, mentoring, and advancing women in the sport, hosting summits and creating a professional network that didn’t exist a decade ago.
The Electric Future
Never one to stay static, Paretta took on a new challenge in May 2024, becoming the Vice President of Sporting for Formula E.
In this global role, she oversees the sporting operations of the world’s premier electric racing championship. It is a position that perfectly synthesizes her background: blending the cutting-edge technology of EVs with the complex logistics of international motorsport, all while continuing to advocate for gender diversity on a global stage.
Beth Paretta has spent her career asking “Why not?”—Why not a female director? Why not an all-female pit crew? Why not an electric future? And every time, she has answered by simply making it happen.
Fast Facts: Beth Paretta
| Milestone | Detail |
| History Made | First female director of a performance brand/motorsport for a global OEM (FCA/SRT) |
| Indy 500 | Team Principal of the first woman-forward team to qualify for the Indy 500 (2021) |
| Current Role | Vice President of Sporting at Formula E (Appointed May 2024) |
| Advocacy | Co-Founder of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) |
| Honors | Automotive Hall of Fame “Industry Influencer” (2023) |
More information: https://www.parettaautosport.com/